There’s nothing like the fragrant smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree! But if you’re like many people who buy their trees just after Thanksgiving and keep them up through New Year’s, this means you’ll need your tree to last for up to 6 weeks. Here are my 7 top tips for maintaining your cut tree and keeping it nourished, fresh and fragrant all throughout the holiday season.
1. Get a Freshly Cut Tree
The best tree are ones that are freshly cut tree from your local tree farm. Often you’ll find pre-cut trees at your local nursery, grocery store or if you live in New York City you can even buy them off the street corner! But – these trees were likely cut weeks prior so they’ve already lost some of their freshness. To guarantee freshness and ensure your tree will last as long as possible, always get one that is freshly cut. Before you buy your tree, check the needles to determine if the tree is healthy. The needles on your tree should be flexible, not dry and brittle.
2. Shake Your Tree
If you buy a tree from a local pick your own farm, they often have machines that will shake your tree to get rid of any dead or loose needles so your tree will look its best.
3. Cut Your Tree Base
Whether you buy a freshly cut or a pre-cut tree, you want to cut 1/2 – 1 inch off the bottom of the tree, just as you would fresh flowers, so that the tree can absorb as much water as possible. Within hours of being cut sap forms around the tree which will prevent moisture absorption so cutting the bottom of your tree is essential to keeping it fresh.
4. Choose the Right Sized Stand
Make sure you select a sturdy stand that is the right size for your tree and can hold at least a gallon of water. If you have to shave down down the sides of the tree trunk to fit a stand, your stand is the wrong size. This is also something you should never do as the outer layers of the wood help aid in water absorption and should not be removed.
5. Get Your Tree in Water Immediately
Water is also essential to keeping your tree fresh and fragrant. Keep your tree stand stand filled with water and top it off once per day. Warm tap water is best because it helps soften any sap, allowing maximum water absorption. If the water level falls below the base of the tree, make another fresh cut on the bottom and place it back in warm water. In the first few days of getting your freshly cut tree home, it will be very thirsty so you may need to check the water level and water it multiple times in these first few days.
6. Add a Spoonful of Sugar
You can buy tree food which as preservatives in it to help keep your tree fresh, but an easy DIY tree food is a simple spoonfull of sugar! Use about 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. Some people also use corn syrup or even a clear soft drink such as Sprite or 7UP. There is a debate as to whether this actually works but I’ve always done it and my fresh trees have always lasted through the holiday season.
7. Keep Away from Heat
You’ll want to keep your freshly cut tree away from any direct heat sources such as a fireplace, heaters or direct sunlight. The heat will make your tree dry out much quicker. (An extremely dry tree + Christmas lights can sometimes create a fire hazard.) Also, turn off any tree lights when you’re not in the room with the tree. If you can, lower the temperature a bit in the room with the tree. Cooler air will also help keep it fresher longer.
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